--- title: "How to Connect WhatsApp to Karobar: App Link or API | Karobar" url: https://karobar.io/help/connect-whatsapp language: en description: "Connect your WhatsApp number to Karobar: link the WhatsApp Business app you already use, or move the number to the WhatsApp Business API. Step by step." --- [Help center](https://karobar.io/support) · Connect your channels # Connect WhatsApp: link the Business app or use the API Link the WhatsApp Business app you already use, or connect a number through the WhatsApp Business API. Updated 14 October 2026 Karobar connects a WhatsApp number in one of two ways. Pick the one that fits, then follow its steps. If you are not sure what the WhatsApp Business API is, [WhatsApp Business API explained](https://karobar.io/guides/whatsapp-business-api-explained) covers it first. ## Which way to connect | | WhatsApp Business app link (coexistence) | WhatsApp Business API | | --- | --- | --- | | Best for | Shops already selling on the WhatsApp Business app | Businesses that want everything in Karobar | | Your phone | Keeps working; replies sync both ways within seconds | The number leaves the phone app | | Past chats | Up to six months of chats and your phone contacts are imported once | Start fresh | | Catalogue, quick replies, labels, away messages | Stay in the phone app | Managed in Karobar | | Calls | Stay on the phone | Not in Karobar | ## Link the WhatsApp Business app (coexistence) You need an up-to-date WhatsApp Business app on the phone that uses the number. 1. In Karobar, open **Settings → Channels** and choose **WhatsApp Business**. 2. Pick **WhatsApp Business App Link (Co-existence)** and click **Connect**. 3. A Meta window opens. Sign in with Facebook and follow Meta's steps for linking an existing WhatsApp Business app number, including the confirmation on your phone. 4. Choose whether to share your past chats. Karobar shows the import as it runs; new messages sync either way. 5. The number shows as **Linked to WhatsApp Business app**. Send yourself a message to check it arrives in the inbox. Keep the link alive Open WhatsApp Business on your phone at least once every 14 days, or Meta drops the link. Messages sent from WhatsApp for Windows or Wear OS do not reach Karobar, because Meta does not support them. ## Connect through the WhatsApp Business API Your WhatsApp account needs to be in Meta Business Manager. Once a number moves to the API, the WhatsApp phone app can no longer use it. 1. In Karobar, open **Settings → Channels** and choose **WhatsApp Business**. 2. Pick **WhatsApp Business API** and click **Connect**. 3. Sign in with Facebook in the Meta window, choose or create the business and the WhatsApp Business Account, and add the phone number. 4. Back in Karobar, the number appears under your connected channels. 5. Before sending marketing templates, add a payment method to the WhatsApp Business Account in Meta. Higher sending limits need Meta's business verification. ## Add more numbers Repeat the steps for each number, for example a sales line and a support line. All of them arrive in the same inbox, and templates and broadcasts are kept per number. How many numbers you can connect depends on your plan. ## Background reading - [WhatsApp Business API explained: how it works, what it costs, how to choose a provider](https://karobar.io/guides/whatsapp-business-api-explained) - [WhatsApp auto replies and the 24-hour window, explained](https://karobar.io/guides/whatsapp-auto-reply-24-hour-window) ## Sources Facts about other companies and platforms come from their own pages, checked on the dates shown. Plans and prices change; check the source before you decide. 1. [Meta: Onboarding WhatsApp Business app users (coexistence)](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/embedded-signup/onboarding-business-app-users) (checked 2026-10-14) FAQ ## Questions? Answers. Any other questions? [Ask support](https://karobar.io/support). ### Can I connect my personal WhatsApp? No. Karobar connects WhatsApp Business numbers, either through the WhatsApp Business app link or the WhatsApp Business API. ### I unlinked my app number. Can I import my chats again? You can link it again through the full connect flow, but Meta only allows the contacts and chat history import to run once. ### Why can I not message a customer freely? WhatsApp allows free-form replies only within 24 hours of the customer's last message; after that you need an approved template. See [WhatsApp auto replies and the 24-hour window](/guides/whatsapp-auto-reply-24-hour-window). ## More help: Connect your channels - [Connect Instagram and Facebook Bring Instagram DMs, Messenger, comments, insights and Meta ad accounts into Karobar. Read](https://karobar.io/help/connect-instagram-and-facebook) - [Connect TikTok and TikTok Ads Connect your TikTok business profile, your TikTok Ads Manager account, or both. Read](https://karobar.io/help/connect-tiktok) - [Connect LinkedIn Connect your profile and company pages with one LinkedIn login. Read](https://karobar.io/help/connect-linkedin) - [Connect your YouTube channel Connect a channel to publish videos and Shorts, answer comments and see channel numbers. Read](https://karobar.io/help/connect-youtube) - [Connect your Google Business Profile Connect your locations to answer reviews, publish posts and see your Google numbers. Read](https://karobar.io/help/connect-google-business-profile) Keep going ## What to look at next [One social media inbox for every customer message Instagram, TikTok, Messenger and WhatsApp in one list. Every thread becomes a lead, save a phone number and ad… Learn more](https://karobar.io/features/unified-inbox)[WhatsApp broadcasts that bring cold leads back Meta-approved broadcasts: template campaigns from a CSV upload or your CRM leads. Reach past the 24-hour windo… Learn more](https://karobar.io/features/whatsapp-marketing)[One product catalogue for AI replies and your WhatsApp catalog Your product listing gives the AI and your team their context. When a customer asks, the answer comes from you… Learn more](https://karobar.io/features/products-catalog)